Here are some shots of our recent trip to Oahu. We rented a house on the windward side in Kailua together with family. Seven of us in all.
Here's a pic of us on the beach about 50 yards in from the house.
Each morning at sunrise I'd grab a cup of coffee and stroll down to check the waves. A couple of mornings greeted us with perfect sunny weather and more importantly no wind!
We surfed mainly on the reefs surrounding an island 1/4 mile offshore (in the background of the pic below). But it was a mile downshore so that made for some LOOOONG paddles.
Luckily there were always sea turtles to keep us company.
We also did alot of surf-kayaking, body surfing, and snorkeling in the area. Endless reefs to explore sea life and saw many fish I had never even heard of!
The water was so clear it was distracting while surfing. And one did not want to fall either - that coral is sharp! Just brushing up against it and I lost some skin.
Sunrise over Kailua.
Locals would come and surf reefs around the islands on outrigger canoes, which was fun to watch. The locs were pretty friendly too, hooting Aya into waves. And something about paddling across big stretches of water must be good for you because many we saw were in phenomenal shape.
You didn't want to mess with the local natives though either, particularly on the West Side, known for hostility towards whites. But if your cool and don't take their waves then it's cool. We spent a day at the famous West Side spot Makaha and even saw legend Buffalo Keaulana.
Hawaiian stones on the North Shore. They must bring good waves.
The mountains were cool as well. Didn't go hiking in them much as the lure of the water was too much, but did spend some time checking out a temple.
The highlight for me, other than relaxing with family had to be visiting the North Shore, a magical seven mile stretch home to the best surf breaks on earth. We got lucky in that a swell was hitting, with 15+ waves at Sunset beach and Pipeline. Unfortunately Waimea wasn't breaking that day, but we did see some incredible surfing at other spots. Some guys were towing in out at Backyards (an outside reef at Sunset) on waves approaching 20'. I later talked with a lifeguard who said his buddy snapped a board out there that day. It was heavy!
The power of the waves there is just so much more than the mainland. Even small surf packs enough force to slam you against the reef and hold you down until your seeing stars.
Pipeline video
I'm homesick already and we're now looking for a way to move!
Mahalo
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